Pictured in January 1976 is AstroWorld's infamous Texas Cyclone. It opened in the summer of 1976 and was a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. The track required 336,000 feet of boards and 14,000 feet of linear track.

Pictured in January 1976 is AstroWorld's infamous Texas Cyclone. It opened in the summer of 1976 and was a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. The track required 336,000 feet of boards and

The Texas Cyclone is pictured on June 12, 1976. Photo-5385390.72994 - Houston Chronicle

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Thunder River in AstroWorld is pictured on May 22, 1980.

Thunder River in AstroWorld is pictured on May 22, 1980.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Thunder River in AstroWorld is pictured on May 22, 1980. Photo-5385389.72994 - Houston Chronicle

Image 14 of 34

AstroWorld executive Bill Crandall displays the then-new safety devices on the Texas Cyclone in 1976. Before they were installed, the park had complaints of people standing up during the ride. Also, it was just unsafe.

AstroWorld executive Bill Crandall displays the then-new safety devices on the Texas Cyclone in 1976. Before they were installed, the park had complaints of people standing up during the ride. Also, it was just

Greezed Lightnin' is shown under construction on Dec. 8, 1977. The ride had the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds, and thrilled riders with its speed and loop.

Greezed Lightnin' is shown under construction on Dec. 8, 1977. The ride had the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds, and thrilled riders with its speed and loop.